Odds and Ends: Utley, Draft Recap, Burrell

-We await word on Chase Utley’s availability for tonight’s game against the Giants. Utley reportedly flew back to Philadelphia following last night’s rehab doubleheader with the Clearwater Threshers. The information from the Phillies is usually made available around 2:30 p.m. if there is a statement from the team.

-Last night, the Phillies locked up some future hopefuls during draft deadline day. The three players signed yesterday were pitchers Kevin Walter (20th rd), Jonathan Musser (21st), and outfielder Brian Pointer (28th). Between the three, the Phillies spent about $1 million total on bonuses. They attempted to lock in right-hander Scott Frazier, a fifth-round selection, but he has decided to attend Pepperdine University. Fraizer wanted a bonus in the $1 million range.

According to Phuture Phillies, the difference between Frazier and the three players combined is negligible. It’s about quality of the quantity over the one higher blue-chip prospect.

Walter throws 88-92 right now, but has a decent array of secondary pitches, which for a high schooler is quite advanced. He’s also 6-6, 220 pounds. Musser comes from high school in Iowa. He tosses his FB about 91-93 according to reports and suffered a shoulder injury which was not related to baseball, but is back to throwing hard. Pointer is a high school centerfielder from Nevada who has great speed and OK power.

-Welcome home, Pat Burrell! Who’s excited to see the former Philly playboy/left fielder roam the outfield once again? He’s now playing for one of the enemies in San Francisco, but has recently enjoyed a rejuvenation following his release from Tampa Bay. Burrell is hitting .285 with 10 home runs and 30 RBI in 56 game with the Giants. His .905 OPS would stand as the second best of his whole career if the season ended today. That’s saying something for a guy who was nearly on the street a few months ago after hitting .202 with the Rays to begin the year.

So, welcome him with open arms, but just wait ’til the game is over, will ya?